Cronies on the Rise.
By Jim Conley • Feb 22nd, 2008 • Email This Post to a Friend •
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Brookline Town Hall is abuzz with the story of the dramatic rise of an employee in the Transportation Department. Apparently, a clerk in the department has jumped over risen through the ranks to become a program administrator, though there’s little background and training to warrant the appointment.
Transportation Commissioner A. Thomas DeMaio calls the position “middle-management” and denies that the department has to train the employee in order to bring his qualifications in line with the position.
And just when you thought the Brookline DPW couldn’t embarrass themselves any further…
Jim Conley is publisher of On Brookline.
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THIS IS A JOB FOR WHISTLEBLOWER!
Employees who feel that there is an unfairness in Town promotions that may involve cronyism, not merit, might take a look at the Town’s Whistleblower Policy for relief, perhaps after first consulting with an attorney. If the Whistleblower Policy is considered risky, then the old over the transom silent method may be available.
Word on the street is that the employee knew he was not qualified for the position, but he applied anyway and - after yet another exhausting “nationwide” search - the DPW said they would pay for his education while also doubling his previous clerk salary. In the meantime, they are paying consultants to do the work of this “middle manager.” Classic DPW/DeMaio (mis)management and a waste of taxpayer dollars.
Would it be skating on thin ice to speculate that the pressure to promote may have come from a “higher authority” than Commissioner DeMaio? Where do civil service reform measures come into play in our Town? Those employees impacted by this big jump might heed the advice given to Humphrey Bogart by Lauren Bacall: “You know how to whistle, don’t you? Just put your lips together and blow.” Check out the COMMENTARY on the left to “Blowing the Whistle.”